Apparatus for detecting an operation mode of a tape cassette player and also whether a tape cassette is available for recording

An apparatus for detecting an operation mode of a tape cassette player having a slide member moving so as to change the operation mode, and for detecting a tape cassette having a removable erase-prevention tab so as to perform a predetermined function in accordance with a selected operation mode, said apparatus comprising:

• a switching element for generating a switching signal;
• first operating means for operating said switching element by the slide member so that said switching element generates a first signal by which the operation mode is discriminated;
• and
• second operating means for operating said switching element by the erase-prevention tab so that said switching element generates a second signal for detecting whether the erase-prevention tab is present, wherein said second operating means comprises a sensor lever having a protruding portion that contacts the erase-prevention tab and which is pivotally supported so as to pivot depending on whether or not the erase-prevention tab is present, and a switching arm member coupled to said switching element so that said switching arm member can be interlocked with said sensor lever so as to operate said switching element.

An apparatus for detecting an operation mode of a tape cassette player having a slide member moving so as to change the operation mode, and for detecting a tape cassette having a removable erase-prevention tab so as to perform a predetermined function in accordance with a selected operation mode, said apparatus comprising:

• a cam plate which moves with the slide member and which has an elongated cam groove including variable positions for discriminating a state of the player depending on a movement distance of said cam plate, said elongated cam groove including an extended groove portion formed so as to allow another variable position in a predetermined area of said elongated cam groove;
• a switching element having a switching arm member engaged with said elongated cam groove of said cam plate to rotate so that said switching element generates a switching signal depending on the movement of said elongated cam groove;
• and
• a sensor lever having a protruding portion and an extending portion respectively contacting the erase-prevention tab and said switching arm member, said sensor lever being pivotally mounted, wherein said protruding portion pivots so as to contact with the erase-prevention tab if the erase-prevention tab is present and said extending portion moves according to the pivoting of said protruding portion so as to restrict the movement of said switching arm member of said switching element in at least one direction.